Padang Padang Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Uluwatu, put on the map for its incredible and consistent surf. Not for the faint of heart, surfing at this beach is recommended for experienced surfers, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying some fun in the sun and sand.
If Padang Padang Beach is on your bucket list, keep reading for everything you need to know before you visit – from how to get there and what to bring to entrance fees and what to expect.
Best time to visit Pantai Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is on the international surfing circuit and is home to the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang. The best (but busiest) time to visit is from June to September during the dry season. A little riskier is April, May and October, which have some rainy days but far fewer people. Check out the Padang Padang surf report here.
How to get to Pantai Padang Padang Bali
By far the best way to get around Bali is by scooter – this island is just not made for cars. Most accommodations will be able to arrange a scooter rental for you, and if you hire for multiple days you can usually haggle down to around 60,000 IDR per day. If you’re not comfortable driving in Bali, you can always hire a private driver online.
You can easily find Padang Padang Beach on Google Maps. Once you arrive, park your scooter at the parking lot across the road from the entrance booth. From there you will walk down a set of stairs and past a temple before continuing down more stairs and through a hollow rock. It’s not a very long hike and there aren’t too many stairs unlike other beaches in Uluwatu.
What to bring to Pantai Padang Padang Beach
Prepare for your trip to the beach with our must-have travel essentials. (click for prices)
If you’re interested in photography and/or videography this is the gear we can’t live without:
Professional camera: Sony a7iv (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO10 Black (click for price)
Drone: DJI Air 2s (click for price)
Related post: What's in our camera bag
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Pantai Padang Padang Beach Entrance Fee
You’ll be up for a 1000 IDR fee to park your scooter (5000 IDR for a car) and 15,000 IDR for foreign entrance fee. This makes Padang Padang Beach one of the most expensive entrance fees for a beach in Uluwatu.
What to expect at Padang Padang Beach Bali
As one of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu, Padang Padang Beach attracts a crowd. There were dozens of stands set up with local women selling sarongs and souvenirs, as well as vendors grilling corn and selling snacks. You’ll also be able to get food and drinks at a few warungs along the beach.
The stretch of sand at Padang Padang Beach is only around 100 metres long, and a lot of it is covered by beach umbrellas. In the afternoon, the sun dips below the cliff casting the beach in shade so the umbrellas are packed away and people spread out on the sand. It’s very busy, but if you don’t mind crowds then it’s still plenty of fun.
Venture beyond the crowds and hike down the beach a short while, then up a limestone rock where a temple sits atop. This is also a great vantage point to watch the surfers, but beware of your belongings as the monkeys at Padang Padang Beach are notorious pickpocketers.
If you’re interested in surfing, be mindful that the swell at Padang Padang Beach can get pretty heavy and only experienced surfers should brave the waves. However, it can be beginner-intermediate friendly occasionally and there are surf board rentals for 100,000 – 150,000 IDR (negotiable – it’s always negotiable).
More Beaches in Uluwatu
Uluwatu has been blessed with some of the best beaches in Bali. Check out more of the stunning beaches in the area:
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